The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1887-12-15
agricultural.
RAMlR.

Southern people are taking in the
subject of ramie. The past season
has witnessed the starting of good
many ramie plantations. These ex-
tend in scattered sections from the
Atlantic to the Pacific. In Texas
and California there is much enthu-
siasm. In Louisiana there are nu-
merous plantations, and in South
Carolina and Georgia the rice plant
ers are dividing their interest be-
tween rice and ramie.
i OF course none of these plantations
can be called extensive as yet, but
there is every promise that many Of
those who are seeking to diversity
their crops will engage largely in the
industry. This fall there will be
reaped very good beginning crop,
the most satisfactory feature Of which
| is that there are already bids for all
that can be brought into the market
in decorticated state.
The decortication of ramie simply
means the separation of the fbers
from the woody portion Of the plant,
and this is effected by machinery.
Those who offer to buy the fiber in
this condition, expect to separate the
gummy substance from the fiber
themselves. This degumming is eff.
fected by chemical processes that in
volve an expensive plant-at least if
it is sufficiently well done to fit the
fiber for spinning.
1t is expected that the ramie decor
ticator will take the same position in
relation to rame culture that the
cotton gin holds in relation to the
cultivation of cotton. 1t is to be
owned and operated, as a rule, by the
planter himself, while the degumming
process will be worked in connection
with the manufacture of ramie, or by
special companies conveniently loca-
ted.
The decOrticators put upon mark
et, at least two or three OF them will
do good work, but are probably more
extensive than they need be- We
are pleased to learn, therefore, that
the international Fibefn sPehurf''
!, New York, is building new decor
ticator upon the same principle as
the one they are now so successfully
using, to do the same amount of
work, and at the same time to be
much lighter, and to sell at price
that will put them within the reach
OF every planter who may enter into
the cultivation of ramie. This com
pany also offers to buy every pound
Of ramie that may be raised in the
country.
| The Ramie Spinning Company
which is controlled practically by the
same parties, is daily expecting the
arrival from Europe of their degum-
ming and spinning machinery, and
expect to begin operations in both
departments as soon as the machine
ry can be put in place. The compa-
ny will not locate at Newburgh, as
formerly proposed, but in Jersey
City, N. J.
We shall, therefore, shortly wit
ness the marketing of ramie, and its
spinning and weaving in this country,
as new home industry, IRON seed to
loom, and one that bids fair to com
mand wide interest throughout the
country.
Concerning the character and uses
of the ramie fiber, it cannot be too
often repeated that it is strongest
and most varied in its adaptability to
uses of any fiber. 1t is six times as
strong as flax, and three times as
strong as hemp. 1t is almost as CLOS
sy as silk and can be spun as fine.
| The gloss will not work off or be lost
by washing, as in the case of flax
when put into damask cloth. For
all kinds of cords and thread it has
no superior. 1t mixes we'll with
wool and cotton, and produces fine
effect. Under large cultivation, it
will rival any of the fibers in cheap
ness, and be serviceable for ropes,